The Course

The course starts in Holyrood Park and travels up Queen's Drive around Authur's Seat, passes by Dunsapie Loch and then returns back towards Hoyrood Park.

As our runners' safety is paramount to us, we may use the contingency course in the case of bad weather.

Customer Services Point:

If your race pack hasn’t arrived or you have any questions about the Great Winter Run then head along to the Customer Services Point and the Great Run Team will be happy to assist. Please note that entries will not be available on the day.

Baggage Marquee:

We recommend that you leave your bags with your friends and family while you run, but if this is not possible then you can make use of the baggage marquee. Simply leave your bag beside the letter that corresponds to the first letter of your surname. Staff will be on hand to answer any questions and carry out spot checks to ensure that people are only leaving with their own bag.

There are no changing facilities available for this event and we recommend that you don’t leave any valuables in your bag if you are using the baggage facility.

Family Reunion Area:

After your run, please arrange to meet your family and friends at the A-Z banners close to the finish line. Stand under the lettered banner that corresponds with the first letter of your surname; so if your name is Usain Bolt you should meet under the ‘B’ banner.

Please do not arrange to meet your new fan club ‘at the finish line’, as this area gets very busy and can make it difficult to spot your friends and family.

Food Court:

There’s something for everyone at the food court this year. Whether you’re looking to fill-up or just warm-up you can choose from a fantastic range including gourmet lamb, beef and venison burgers, pulled pork sliders, steak baguettes, delicious toasties and organic home-made soup. There are also speciality hot chocolates, an excellent selection of coffees and teas as well as cup-cakes, muffins, doughnuts and pastries.

The food court is located right beside the XCountry course, and with tables, chairs and hay-bales available to sit on, why not grab something tasty and enjoy the action.

Toilets:

Toilets will be clearly signposted and will be available near to the start assembly area of the Great Winter Run and beside the baggage marquee and Customer Services Point.

Puma:

If you’ve still got some Christmas pennies burning a hole in your pocket or you are keen to get kitted out for a new year of running, then head along to the Puma marquee to see their fantastic range of running shoes and apparel.

First Aid and Medical Facilities:

Medical facilities will be available near the start line and staff from the British Red Cross and the Scottish Ambulance Service will be positioned around the course should you require assistance. Please contact a medic or steward if you need help at any time.

Your next Challenge…

If taking part in the Great Winter Run or watching the elite athletes in the Great Edinburgh XCountry has inspired you for 2015 then head along to the Customer Services point for more information about the 2015 Great Run series. We have events from 5km to half-marathon distance throughout the year and across the UK and Ireland so why not sign-up and get your year off to a Great start.

Event location

About Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital city is one of the UK’s most popular tourist hot spots. With every corner of Edinburgh steeped in history and culture it is a must-see destination. Whether you are a keen shopper, arts enthusiast, or sports fan Edinburgh offers a wealth of activities for the family.

Take your pick of things to do in Edinburgh such as visiting the famous Greyfriars Bobby, the National Museum of Scotland, Princes Street Gardens, the Royal Mile or, of course, the dramatic sights of Edinburgh Castle. Perhaps you’d prefer to watch a game of rugby at Murrayfield Stadium or take a walk up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views across the city, the River Forth and the Pentland Hills.

By Train:

Travelling to the event on the West Coast Mainline? Then take advantage of the exclusive Virgin Trains discount: For you, your friends and family... whether you’re travelling to an event on your own or up to groups of nine, you can all get up to 50% off Virgin Trains Advance Fares.

This exclusive discount on Virgin Trains is the cheapest, easiest and most comfortable way of getting you and your supporters to the start line. Click here to book now - www.virgintrains.co.uk/nova

By Car:

The Great Winter Run starts and finishes on Queen’s Drive, located at the north side of Arthur’s Seat beside Holyrood Palace. There is plenty of well signposted public car parking in Edinburgh City Centre which is within easy walking distance of Holyrood Park.

Please note that there will be no parking within the park on event day. Road closures on Queen’s Drive will also be operational from 06:00 on the day of the event.

By Bus:

Edinburgh is well served by buses and many routes pass close to the event site at Holyrood Park. For more information about public transport in the city, please visit www.transportforedinburgh.com.

By Bike:

There are a number of bike racks in Holyrood Park and the local area – including in front of the Scottish Parliament building.

The historic city of Edinburgh is known as the Athens of the north. With grand buildings and grander streets surrounded by natural beauty, Scotland’s capital city is a cultural experience you are sure to take home with you. For information on accommodation, eating out and other attractions visit: www.edinburgh.org.